Review of the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD power bank

#1

Publish my review of the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD.

For those unfamiliar with this model, it is a large capacity, low output power bank. Made for phones, Nintendo Switch, and other handheld devices. Supports trickle charge mode for tiny devices. Includes USB-C cable and travel pouch. With the lower output it allows for a lower price, compared to Anker’s big laptop power banks.

Unlike most of its competitors it offers a 15V power profile (15V/1.2A for 18W). Most other 18W chargers only go up to 9V or 12V. That doesn’t matter for a lot of devices. But for the original model of the Nintendo Switch it allows it to charge faster (the original Switch under draws power from 12V sources). It also allows chargers with only 15V support, such as the Switch’s own AC adapter, to recharge this power bank.

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#2

Nice review and well laid out @queuebitt :+1:

I wasn’t quite sure what you meant by “Don’t expect the circle to completely fill when recharging, the LEDs cover less than half of the curve”. I cant say I’ve noticed any anomaly’s with mine.

#3

Some older Anker power banks with LEDs in a circle made a complete circle when filled. This one has a similar large circle button, but only 4 LEDs. So the lit LEDs don’t go all the way around. I thought I was having a charging problem (only filled half the circle) before I realized the design change.

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#4

Ah, i see what you mean and where that would cause confusion.
I haven’t used any older Anker PowerCores so wouldnt have experienced it.
Have a great day.

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#5

Your only con

Screenshot_20200728_161510

That is a mystery, Anker didn’t use to do that, then added it, so stepped backwards. The 10000 PD had 18W+10W = 28W, so Anker had the electronics for it, but for the Essential range they did 18W / 10W = 15W. They also downgraded the 10000 PD in a Redux version. I own the original 10000 PD and it does not get hot when using both ports so… a mystery.

I suspect it’s t shave off a few $ in electronics components, which you do say.

Screenshot_20200728_164923
Screenshot_20200728_164923.jpg1842×337 111 KB

I can kind of see the reason why but it’s a weak one. It is a little less electronically efficient to output two different voltages, so presumably if you use both ports they force both to 5V instead of letting one 5V and the other 9V / 15V. But the Essential is not particularly being taxed by it, barely warm…

#6

Well formatted and well written review! Very informative! Thanks for sharing @queuebitt

#7

Great review like always :clap:

#8

Great review and photos!!! Nice job!!! :ok_hand: